Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Ashley Moody (R-FL) have shared their support for moving the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) headquarters from Washington D.C. to Cape Canaveral, Florida, where NASA conducts launches. As NASA considers a new facility to call home, Sens. Scott and Moody believe relocation to the Sunshine State is not only cost-efficient but is also "common sense."
The senators' bill, the Consolidating Aerospace Programs Efficiently at Canaveral (CAPE Canaveral) Act, aims to accomplish these feats.
Sen. Scott mentioned that this move would "streamline" the operations at NASA.
"There’s no better place for NASA’s headquarters than Florida’s Space Coast, where our nation’s brightest minds innovate and help America reach for the stars," said Scott. "Moving to Florida will not only save Americans’ tax dollars, it will enhance efficiency and streamline operations in this important industry with proximity to private-sector partners and a top-tier workforce ready to help America reach its space exploration goals."
The former Florida governor added, "We have worked hard to make Florida the thriving aerospace hub it is today, and I look forward to the quick passage of our legislation and welcoming NASA to the best state in the nation!”
Moreover, Sen. Moody mentioned that with Florida serving as the "gateway to space," it could also "bridge the bureaucracy gap" with a change in location to the Cape.
“Florida is the leader in space exploration and aerospace innovation. Establishing NASA’s headquarters within the Space Coast will bridge the bureaucracy gap from the top down and bring stakeholders together," said Sen. Moody. "Florida is the gateway to space and this commonsense proposal would save taxpayers money, encourage collaboration with private space companies, and tap into Florida’s talented workforce to spur further innovation."
Moody ended her statement by saying that the federal government would have a duty to taxpayers to make sure the new headquarters are used properly.
"As stewards of taxpayer dollars, we must ensure that any new building will be filled with employees—not empty like we have been seeing in Washington the last four years. Let’s pass the CAPE Canaveral Act and get NASA headquartered in Florida where it will thrive,” said Moody.
